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Are you thinking of buying an outdoor storage shed? If you’re after just a small outdoor shed or looking to expand your outdoor tool storage, here is an overview of the expected outdoor shed costs.

exterior of light brown outdoor tool storage shed for sale in KY and TN

Outdoor Storage Sheds

Outdoor storage sheds are invaluable in maximizing your home’s storage potential and overall organization. A small outdoor shed will provide you with a convenient and tidy place to store your outdoor equipment and belongings, or your backyard shed could be transformed into an additional living space. If you’re wanting to turn your outdoor shed into an office space, this article has some great office shed ideas. Even a small chicken coop allows for your to at least protect your chickens; by the way, we got an article on the benefits of backyard chickens.

If you’re handy with a hammer, you can easily build the DIY outdoor tool storage of your dreams with some custom plans, or you can buy a pre-made shed or kit and have it made by a professional. With many different options such as size, material, style, and features available, here is the information you need about outdoor shed costs.

Outdoor Shed Cost Factors

As I’m sure you’re aware, there are multiple factors that influence a shed’s cost. For example, a small outdoor shed made out of prefabricated material will cost you much less than a large custom-built brick shed. You will also need to take into account the cost to level and add a foundation to the desired spot, as well as the cost of labor.

Materials

You’ll soon discover that there are many different types of materials for sheds. Ranging in cost, the most common shed materials are plastic, metal, wood, vinyl, and brick. The material that is best for your shed depends on its use and the climate in which you live. Some types are more durable, while others are more easily customized.

Plastic

Plastic is the cheapest material but also the easiest to maintain and clean. However, they are often lightweight, susceptible to strong winds, and can be blown over or moved by extreme weather. Plastic sheds are on the cheap end of the spectrum and can range from $100 to $1,000.

exterior of black and red shed for sale at KY and TN for outdoor shed cost article

Metal

Metal is also a low-maintenance material that is generally long-lasting. Metal sheds do not experience rot, moisture damage, or bug infestation and usually come as easy-to-build kits. However, metal is not always the strongest option, and if you live in an area with regular strong winds or snow, a metal shed may not be for you.

This material is also usually a cheaper option. The average price of a metal shed usually ranges from $300 to $2,000.

exterior of outdoor storage barn for sale in KY and TN

Wood

Wood is the most popular choice of shed material. It is naturally aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting, and easily customizable. Wood features include beautiful tones, textures, and scents you can’t find with other materials; it’s also easy to paint. However, wood is susceptible to insect activity, rot, and moisture, making it a high maintenance material.

Wood sheds tend to be on the more expensive side and can range from $600 to $3,000.

exterior of brown and white shed for sale in KY and TN for outdoor shed cost article

Vinyl

Vinyl is a popular alternative to wood. It can replicate the texture of wood while avoiding its downfalls, such as rot and insect damage. In addition, vinyl requires little maintenance, is long-lasting and is strong in extreme weather conditions.

However, these sheds are more expensive and range in price from $800 to $5,000.

Brick

Brick is the most durable choice. It is also a great choice if you’re looking to match your shed to your home’s aesthetic. Brick is a low-maintenance material and is strong in extreme weather. However, it is not easily customizable once built and is the most expensive shed material.

Brick sheds range in cost from $1,000 to $5,000.

Style

There are many different styles of sheds to suit your needs and aesthetic, which can also influence the cost of your backyard build.

Low Barn

This style is cost-effective and designed for simplicity. The low barn is a very straightforward shed style that is designed to store your belongings easily. It cuts out many frills that other styles have, which provides you with an affordable shed option for your outdoor tool storage.

exterior of small outdoor shed for sale in KY and TN

You can see some of our in-stock low barn sheds below.

Ranch

Ranch-style sheds are classics. This is a style that is affordable but offers more of a customizable shape. You can change door placement and even the height of the roof. This is a well-built style that can be used for storage as well as for living.

exterior of brown outdoor shed for sale for outdoor shed cost article

You can see some of our in-stock ranch sheds below.

High Barn

Like the low barn style, the High Barn style is a relatively affordable and straightforward shed style option. However, this style features a higher roof with the possibility of loft storage to keep your valuable items safe and off the floor. In addition, the gambrel roof design allows two overhead lofts, maximizing your shed’s storage space.

exterior of backyard outdoor storage barn for sale in KY and TN

You can see some of our in-stock high barn sheds below.

If you would like to see more of our in-stock sheds, check out our inventory page to view our entire selection!

Saltbox

This classic style is derived from New England-style homes. The roof provides an interesting shape for your backyard shed, with a lower section at the back and higher headroom at the front. This style usually allows you to store and access your larger items easily.

Size

The size of a shed will dramatically influence its price. In general, a small 10×10 shed will cost $300-$3000, and a large 14×24 will cost $2500-$4000. However, this can widely fluctuate when considering custom plans and higher-end materials.

Outdoor Shed Cost: Prefab vs. DIY

When purchasing an outdoor storage shed, you can choose between prefabricated sheds and shed kits. Another option would be to make it a DIY project with plans of your own or ones you’ve bought. Each option has its own unique costs and things to consider.

DIY

Building a DIY shed is hard work but also extremely rewarding. A DIY shed gives you a level of customization that you will not likely be able to get with prefab sheds. However, there are numerous costs to think about with a DIY project. The price of the shed’s materials is only a small fraction of the costs. You will also need to take into account money spent on tools, ground leveling, delivery of materials, time, permits, and DIY plans if you’d like to follow them.

Nonetheless, DIY sheds have many advantages. The main advantage is control. You can choose everything from style, material, size, and even building timeframe. It can be a cheaper option if you’re good with your hands and smart about your plans. You can create a shed that will seamlessly fit into your space, fulfill your needs, and include the little touches that will mean a lot to you.

The disadvantage, however, is that it takes a considerable amount of effort and skill, and you can quickly rack up the money spent for your DIY shed.

Building a custom shed usually ranges in price from $800 to $5,000+. Materials generally run between $300 and $5,000 alone. Your shed will require a significant amount of time and labor but doing it yourself will save you the money spent on someone else doing it, as it usually costs around $2,000 to $4,000 to hire a professional. Moreover, you have no profit margin to maintain like professionals would have. However, be prepared for your shed construction to take longer.

Prefabricated

If you’re looking for less hassle or effort, prefabricated or prebuilt sheds are a great option. These types of sheds benefit from consistency in quality and are produced by experts. Prefabricated sheds can be used as soon as they are delivered and there is no building needed on your part.

Prefabricated sheds are also a great option because there are not usually surprise costs as well as an affordable and easy installation process. Though, on a budget, shed kits might be your best option. On average, they cost between $1,500 and $5,000 and are easy to install. However, if you have a bit more money to spend, you may want to hire a pro to install your kit or have it delivered already pre-assembled. Prefabricated sheds are cost-effective and time-saving. The production of prefabricated sheds is efficient and timely, and the parts are usually purchased in bulk, meaning you end up saving money. Prefabricated sheds also include free delivery a lot of the time and are also delivered ready-to-use immediately. But if you want an even cheaper alternative, check out our article on used sheds!

exterior of white outdoor storage shed for sale near KY and TN

Purchase An Outdoor Storage Shed Today

If you want to add more storage space and organization to your home, an outdoor storage shed is an excellent option. If you’re interested in purchasing a 12×24 storage building, this read is a great starting place. You could also read about the benefits of tacking on a porch to your shed. With careful planning, you can easily acquire a shed that is cost-effective and perfect for your needs. As another sidenote, if you’re interested in a garage shed, feel free to read our comprehensive guide to garage sheds. Or, we also have a complete guide about rent-to-own cabins.

Now that you know a bit more about outdoor shed costs, visit Esh’s Utility Buildings to find your ideal shed and get in touch with experts.

Inventory

exterior of garden shed for sale

Want more information on garden sheds? You’re in the right place. We’ve outlined siding and flooring options, prices, garden shed styles, ideas, and many FAQs within this article. Or, maybe you’re thinking about a shed greenhouse? Again, you’ve found the right article!

The shed at the back of the garden is more than just a place filled with tools and riddled with spiders. It is a symbol, a domestic oasis with an infinite number of possibilities and brimming with potential. It can be a source of personal refuge in the form of an office, a lawnmower shed, a playroom, or the place that houses your most prized power tools. Enough with the poetics! Let’s further our education!

What Is A Garden Shed?

A garden shed is typically a single-story indoor closure commonly found in the corner of your backyard. Sheds vary in size, style, material, construction, and function to meet differing needs. Each variation has its own unique properties and pros and cons, which can sometimes be hard to navigate. However, with the popularity of garden sheds increasing, an abundance of helpful advice will turn the plethora of choices out there into an advantage.

Though outdoor storage sheds have been typically used just for housing your lesser-used items and garden tools in the past, garden sheds today are also being used for separate working spaces or peaceful escapes. They can become a defining element in your garden rather than being hidden away in a far corner and can add interest and intrigue to your property.

Benefits Of A Garden Shed

There are numerous advantages to owning a garden shed. Maintaining a beautiful and well-trimmed garden takes patience, skill, and tools. While you can toss these tools to the corner of your garden, a garden shed will keep them protected, and best utilize your space. Speaking of the outdoors and benefits, we have another article on the benefits of backyard chickens.

The benefit of a garden shed just used for storage is immense and helpful in many ways. Check out more benefits through our table below!

AdvantageWhy does this matter? 
Organized Gardening Tools Your gardening tools no longer need to be lying around on the ground. Instead, they can hang on hooks, sit on shelves, and be organized in whatever way you please. 
Quicker Access to Needed Tools Having everything displayed in front of you is more efficient than a pile on the ground or needing to retrieve your tools for your garden from the garage.
Improve Garden Aesthetics Decorating your garden shed with flowers and painting it a beautiful color can add interest and intrigue to your space.
Free Up Space For example, you may be placing your tools in the garden, the garage, or on the porch. In addition, introducing a place to store all these items will free up space for other activities.
Increases Property Value An extra structure in the garden will give your house the edge over other properties in the area.

interior of quality garden shed for sale

Garden Shed Ideas and Uses

Wondering how you can transform your garden shed? Needing some inspiration? You’ve come to the right place. There are many different functions a garden shed can have, including the following:

1. Garden Storage

The most obvious use is a garden shed to store your garden supplies and tools. They will be kept protected from the elements and ready for immediate use.

2. Workshop Shed

Your shed can be used for your DIY projects. Your shed can house your machinery, tools, and materials, whether you are woodworking, lathing metal, or using it as an area to clean your tools. A dedicated shed comes without the worry of ruining a living space with your projects. Instead, you can build a sturdy working table into the plans of the construction of your shed and easily organize everything you need.

3. Potting Shed

A potting shed gives a great environment to your smaller plants and seeds. You can use your shed as a place to cultivate life and plan your garden for the seasons. It can be a perfect place to store several sizes of potting for your growing plants and store your garden’s harvests.

4. Kid’s Playhouse

Creating an outdoor space for your children to play can be great fun for the kids and also a way to keep them occupied as well. It encourages them to be outdoors and can be filled with toys, kids’ furniture, and books. To make it more fun, you can paint it bright colors, allow it to be a place where your children can draw on the walls, or use chalkboard paint to make it even more fun. If you would like to read more about playhouses, feel free to take a look at our outdoor playhouse comparison guide.

5. Art Studio

You can turn your garden shed into a space where you either showcase your art, spend all day painting, drawing, and sculpting, or simply a place to store your artwork.

6. Library Or Reading Room

Turning your garden shed into a library or reading room is also a great idea. Away from the noise of the main living space, you can find peace in your garden space. It is also a great space to store books that you may not have room for and want to keep. You can easily decorate your shed with comfy furniture and add cushions and blankets to make it the perfect reading space.

a lady in a garden shed

7. Bar Or Pool House

Your shed can easily be turned into a bar during warmer months. Stock your shelves with your favorite drinks and add garden furniture to enjoy the sun while sipping away. Additionally, your shed can serve as a pool house, also storing pool accessories and acting as an easy relaxation place during pool parties.

8. Game Or Entertainment Room

A shed can be a perfect entertainment room. All you need is a screen and gaming console, sofas or comfy bean bags, a mini-fridge, and a sound system. It can be the perfect place for movie nights or bingeing your favorite TV series. But, of course, your children will also love entertaining their friends.

9. Gym

Turning your shed into a home gym can take minimal effort. Your own gym gives you the privacy and peace you need to get into that workout zone and also feel comfortable working out. You can use it as a yoga studio or buy the more expensive gym machines. It wholly depends on your needs.

10. Home Spa

There is nothing more luxurious or relaxing than having a home spa. Add a hot tub, candles, and incense, and you have the perfect spot to unwind alone or with company.

11. Home Office

A home office in your garden could give you the peace and quiet needed to motivate you to be the most creative and productive that you can be. The space can be decorated however you like, and a light-filled shed can lift your spirits and fight the procrastination and distractions your home may usually give you. If you would like to read more about shed ideas and uses, take a look at our “22 Inventive and Creative Shed Ideas & Uses” article.

Garden Shed Types

There are a number of different garden shed and shed greenhouse types to suit your needs. View our table to receive an overview.

Garden Shed Type Description ProsCons
BasicFlat-packed kits which require assembly and are made of either plastic, wood, or metal. Easy assembly; low delivery cost Require basic DIY knowledge; takes time to build
If you lack confidence, have someone else build it for you.
Pre-Built Requiring the least hassle and effort, already-built storage sheds are consistent in quality Immediate use is possible; no need to build Few companies offer; transportation can be high; need an easily accessible place for the shed
DIY From start to finish, you can build out this shed as you desire. Nothing is off-limits. Offers complete control of the project; can be cheaper; can blend with the existing structures and buildings on your property Takes a lot of effort; need tools; takes skills such as wiring and water connection
exterior of garden storage for sale

What Type Of Garden Shed Is Best?

The type of garden shed best for you depends on your budget and needs. Each type has its pros and cons that may depend on what you will use your shed for. With plenty of choices out there, pre-built options or DIY will definitely give you the most versatility. We also have a 3D design tool to help build your own personalized perfect shed on their website.

Garden Shed Styles

Ranch

The Ranch style is one of the more popular style choices when it comes to garden sheds. Its A-frame structure is a classic look that will look good in any space.

High Barn

High barn sheds are perfect for those who need to store as much as possible. Lofts are a standard feature of sheds of this type and offer two levels of storage at the same square footage of other shed styles. It is also a highly customizable style, with the entry being able to be built on the middle or sides, and the exterior can be any color or material.

Low Barn

The Low Barn style is suitable for those who need the extra garden storage but are shopping on a budget. This is a simple style similar to the high barn but doesn’t boast the option of a second level. Featured below, the low barn is an affordable style that will cover your basic garden storage needs and can be customizable in the same way the high barn variation can be.

exterior of outdoor storage shed for sale in KY and TN

If you would like to see more of our in-stock sheds, view our inventory page to browse our full selection of sheds and more!

Saltbox

This is a classic design derived from New England-style homes. These sheds have a lower back wall than the front to accommodate their roof style. This means there is lower headroom in the back of the shed than the front but offers an interesting shape to add to your backyard. This style also commonly includes double doors to fit your bigger items easily.

Modern Garden Sheds

Modern garden sheds offer the ability to showcase a unique and unusual structural shape in your outdoor space. These designs often offer glass as part of the design. Modern sheds commonly have glass double doors and transom windows above the door to let in sunlight. This style of shed is popular among those who turn their storage sheds into offices or living spaces.

Garden Shed Siding Options

Just like with garden shed styles, there are many choices when it comes to shed siding options: plastic, wood, engineered wood, and metal. Want to know some of the pros and cons of each garden shed siding option? Keep reading…

Type:Advantages: Disadvantages:
Plastic/Resin/Vinyl ShedsDurable; easy to assemble; rot and rust-free; easy to maintainLimited styles and shapes; difficult customization process; non-eco friendly; flimsy and unbreathable
WoodEasy customization and personalization; various sizes and accessories; painted/decorated exterior; easy assembly; efficient repair; good insulation Necessary treatment of wood; less security; same amount of maintenance as a house 
Engineered Wood Same as wood; provides superior protection against the elements; smoother and cleaner; added strength; protection from termites, humidity, ectSame as wood; more expensive 
outside of quality storage shed for sale

Garden Roof Options

There are also many roof options available for your outdoor garden shed or shed greenhouse: metal, shingle, or cedar shakes.

  1. Metal: Metal roofing is a good option because it looks nice, is durable, and can easily be matched to metal siding. They commonly come in corrugated and standing seam styles.
  1. Shingle: Shingle roofing can provide your shed with extra longevity and add a textured and elegant appearance to your shed roof. They come in 3-tab and architectural styles.
  1. Cedar Shakes: Cedar shakes are similar to shingles but give your shed roof more of a rustic look. Both shakes and shingles are known for their natural resistance to the elements, their insulation quality, and their stability.

Popular Garden Shed Sizes and Prices

The purpose of your shed will be essential when considering what size to choose. Think about what you’ll be using your shed for and the size of the items that will need to fit inside. Be careful not to underestimate how much space you need; interior space disappears quickly.

How Are Garden Sheds Measured?

Sheds are measured along the exterior sides and so you will have less usable indoor floor space than the measurements suggest.

Garden Shed Sizes, Prices, and Shapes

Standard Sheds Sizes Price*
8×10$2,500-$7,500
10×10$3,000-$8,000
10×12$3,500-$8,000
10×16$4,300-$8,000
12×12$4,400-$7,500
12×16$5,000-$8,000
12×20$5,300-$8,300

*Please keep in mind that all prices are rough estimates. Depending on siding, style, and customizations, prices may vary dramatically. While these prices reflect pre-built garden sheds, DIY garden sheds are generally less expensive. 

There are also different shapes of sheds depending on the space you have available. Corner sheds are made to fit corners of gardens and are generally as small as a 3×3. Or, if you have space limitations but want more interior room, consider the addition of a dormer.

Is it cheaper to build a garden shed or buy one? 

Overall, if you look purely at the numbers, it is cheaper to build your own garden shed instead of buying one from a company. However, there are a few things to consider when thinking about the overall price: 

  1. Time. We all know that time equals money. And if it takes you an exorbitant amount of time to buy the materials, research how to craft a shed, and then build your garden shed, was it worth the saved money? Or did you save any money at all? 
  1. Skill Level. Be honest with yourself. Do you have the skill level needed for a project that is this extensive? If not, get the pros involved! They will build a shed greenhouse or garden shed that will be both durable and made from quality materials. Don’t waste time and money on a project that will leave you frustrated and disenchanted. 
  1. Warranty. Most shed companies offer a warranty on their sheds. At Esh’s Utility Buildings, we offer a 10 year warranty on all of our garden sheds and shed greenhouses. In the long run, this ensures that you have a quality product for a decade. Someone said money savings?! 
interior of wooden shed for sale in KY and TN

Planning For Your Garden Shed

Planning for your garden shed is a critical process which includes planning the layout, designing the garden shed, and preparing the ground.

1. Planning Your Garden Shed Layout

To figure out the optimal size of your shed, you can lay out a footprint of the perimeter using garden stakes. Then, arrange the items you’d like to fit inside the area, adjust the stakes to the desired size, and measure the area. It is recommended to give yourself more space than you think you will need and accommodate enough room for a door to easily open and close.

When planning your shed, it is also vital to research town limits, zoning, utility lines and make sure it will be placed out of the way of any future need for system maintenance access.

2. Designing Your Garden Shed With A 3D Design Tool

3D design tools are a great way to play around with different options. We allow you to experiment and customize your shed on our 3D Designer by giving you a visual of your shed and enabling you to view how different materials, styles, and colors look. There are many possible color combinations that you can easily test with this feature.

3. How To Prepare The Ground For A Garden Shed

Your shed will sit best on a solid and level surface that won’t shift with the weather or move under the structure’s weight.

A patio or deck can serve as a base for lighter sheds, but a reinforced concrete slab or concrete piers are recommended for larger sheds. Ground anchors aren’t usually needed on these surfaces, but the concrete slab must be frost protected in cold climates, and piers must sit below the frost line to avoid shifting and tilting.

Arrowhead-style anchors are also a sturdy choice. They are driven into the ground and are secured with a rod, and can resist a large amount of tension. Sheds sitting on crushed stone or bark instead of a flat surface can topple in extreme wind or floods and need these types of anchors at each corner.

great exterior photo of storage shed for sale

Garden Shed Permits And Planning Permission

It is best to consult your local area’s limits and regulations while planning your shed. In addition, you may need permits and permission depending on the size and location of your shed.

Is Planning Permission Required For A Garden Shed?

Building separate structures in addition to your main home usually requires planning permission. Check with your local authority, and they will be able to give you the best advice and information on what to do next. Constructing an outbuilding often has a legal requirement to obtain a permit. It can generally be granted if it is for housing or ancillary buildings, including sheds if the floor area is less than about 100 square feet. For information on shed permits in Tennessee, read our comprehensive article.

What Is The Biggest Garden Shed You Can Have Without Planning Permission?

You may not need planning permission in your area if your shed is 100 square feet or less or if your material is pre-fabricated. If the shed exceeds this size, it is likely you will need to apply for planning permission. However, it is always best to check local rules and regulations. Do not take these measurements as hard facts; these guidelines vary extensively based on your location.


greenhouse shed

Hobby Greenhouses

When we speak about garden shed ideas, one brilliant ways to use a garden shed is to convert it into a shed greenhouse! Dying to learn more? You’ve found the right place. Keep reading through some of the most frequently asked questions about hobby greenhouses:

Can I use a shed as a greenhouse? 

Yes. It may be difficult to convert your existing shed into a well-insulated area with many window panels, sky lights, and an overhanging pergola. Difficult, but not impossible. However, at Esh’s Utility Building, we design sheds specifically for the purpose of being a greenhouse. Window panels, sky lights, and and overhanging pergola? Check, check, check. Each hobby greenhouse essentially becomes a shed nursery for your plant babies.  

Is a potting shed as good as a greenhouse?

This is almost a trick question, because the purpose of both are very different. A potting shed is ultimately for the benefit of gardeners – it offers a protected space for planting flowers or other plants and storing gardening materials. However, it isn’t the ideal location for plants to thrive. 

On the other hand, greenhouses are covered with windows, providing year-round growth. A shed greenhouse provides the most ideal spot for plants to grow due to optimal sunlight, temperature, and humidity. In contrast to potting sheds, greenhouses are often built with vents, vans, and shading systems in order to regulate temperature. 

Bottom line: if you want a place for plants to grow and thrive year-round, invest in a greenhouse shed, not a potting shed. 

Are home greenhouses worth it? 

Yes! Shed greenhouses provide many advantages to your property, even increasing the overall worth of your home. For as little as $6,000, you can receive a shed greenhouse which will allow you to still enjoy the original intent of your property. The pros of shed greenhouses include: 

  1. Climate control 
  2. Protection from external elements 
  3. Year-round growing 
  4. Space efficiency 
  5. Educational capabilities 
  6. Wonderful aesthetics 
  7. Multi-purpose use 

While we strongly recommend shed greenhouses on your home property, there are several things to keep in mind. Depending on the height and design of a shed greenhouse, you may encounter one or more of the following disadvantages: 

  1. Less sun exposure when compared to traditional greenhouses 
  2. Less space compared to traditional greenhouse 
  3. Limited height for taller plants 
shed greenhouse

What is the best size for a hobby greenhouse? 

Hobby greenhouses can range in size from 8×10 to 12×20 square feet. Of course, there are many factors to consider when deciding which size is the best option for your hobby greenhouse. If you have limited space and budget (and maybe less plants to grow), then a 8×12 square foot greenhouse will do the trick! However, if you’re looking for more space to store items and grow a wide variety of plants, we suggest you opt for the larger 12×20 square foot greenhouse. Go big or go home, right? 

How do you ventilate a hobby greenhouse? 

Don’t let ventilation concerns hinder your dreams for a hobby greenhouse! Read through these four easy solutions to ventilation for your hobby greenhouse. 

  1. Exhaust fans make the overall temperature drop in your hobby greenhouse. For optimal results, place the exhaust fan on the top of the roof. 
  1. Roof vents allow for more airflow within your hobby greenhouse, helping to prevent your beloved plants from wilting and dying. 
  1. Open panes on the walls and ceiling of your shed greenhouse welcome fresh billows of air. 

Greenhouse Shed Ideas

A greenhouse can become your therapy haven, giving you a location to dig your hands in the comfort of dirt. Want some other ideas?

  1. Educational spot: Teach your kids the importance of plants and empower them to plant their own through your hobby greenhouse.
  2. Extra storage: Keep everything in one place. From your garden gloves to seeds to potted plants, everything will be able to have a place. But at the same time, you’ll be right by your favorite plant babies.
  3. Herb Haven: Like to cook? Fill your hobby greenhouse with herbs, from rosemary to mint. Now you’ll just be walking distance away from an ideal source of flavor for all of your dishes.

How warm does a shed greenhouse stay in winter? 

If your shed greenhouse is well-insulated, the interior may be around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. However, this varies extensively depending on the region in which you live and the weather that you experience. If temperatures drop well below freezing, it may become extremely expensive to keep a GHAT system running throughout the winter months.  

Are unheated shed greenhouses worth it? 

Yes. It all boils down to expectations, though. Do you expect to keep vegetable and fruit plants alive in the dead of winter? If so, an unheated shed greenhouse is not worth it. But, if you would like to have a shed greenhouse which offers a jump-start location for growing plants in the spring, take advantage of this space efficient option! Additionally, shed greenhouses provide a good environment for annual plants to grow and blossom throughout the year. 

How to build a greenhouse attached to a shed? 

Do you have an old shed on your property that would be perfect for a greenhouse addition? Now is the perfect time to start building! Before you despair by the magnitude of the project, let’s dig into some easy steps:

  1. Check local building regulations.
  2. Using sturdy anchors or bolts, attach framing to the shed. 
  3. Build the frame for the greenhouse.
  4. Provide access and ventilation by installing windows and doors. 
  5. Add ventilation (think vents, windows, or fans). 
  6. Seal any gaps to prevent heat loss. 
exterior photo of quality garden storage for sale

Garden Shed FAQs

These are some of the most common questions asked concerning garden sheds.

Can I Live In A Shed In My Garden?

Depending on the area in which you reside, your city, state, and county zoning laws may differ from others, so it’s always important and encouraged to check. If you intend to live in your shed or use it for residential purposes for someone else, it is crucial to find out before you begin planning.

You will most likely need planning permission to build and connect utilities to your shed before turning it into a tiny home.

How Can I Supply Electricity To A Garden Shed?

Professional tradespeople can help you with any questions around permissions and inspection of your site for the potential to connect utilities. You will be most likely to get approved for service ranging between 50 and 100 amps. In comparison, a home is usually a 200 amp service. However, that allowance should be more than enough to power your smaller space.

It is best to add outlets and utilities while your interior is unfinished, as, at this stage, it is cheap to add these in. Make sure you have enough outlets at this point for power tools, or perhaps a mini-fridge or computer. It is safest to overestimate how many you will need.

How Can I Keep A Garden Shed Cool In Summer?

Keeping your garden shed cool during warmer months can be tricky, especially if you live in a region prone to soaring temperatures. The best type of shed to get you through warmer temperatures is wooden sheds, as they are well insulated.

Aside from fans and air conditioning, ventilation can be added to your roof. Wind ventilation and cross ventilation designs are used to keep a lower temperature within and allow heat to filter out. Cleverly positioning your doors and windows will drastically help with ventilation and keep air circulation strong. Glazed windows also slow down heating as they deflect the warmth of sunlight.

The position of your shed is also a key factor. For example, placing your shed in the shade of trees will drastically help cool it down as opposed to placing it in direct sunlight.

How Can I Secure My Garden Shed?

Garden sheds are a common target for thieves and vandals. Plus, your garden shed is not always in your sights and can be out of hearing range if a thief tries to break in. In addition, your shed may house valuable items and, without the proper precautions, can easily be taken without you knowing. Moreover, the tools stored in your garden shed can also be helpful to thieves trying to break into your house. Therefore, keeping your shed secure is essential even if you don’t see the contents as being particularly valuable.

You can do numerous things to keep your shed safe and secure from thieves and vandals.

Your local authority will also have many tips on keeping your property secure from thieves.

great exterior of outdoor storage shed for sale in KY and TN

How Can I Decorate My Garden Shed?

Your shed is a valuable addition to your backyard but can also become an eyesore. Your backyard shed needs to earn its place and look good while being functional. There are many ways to spruce up a garden shed, from painting, to adding furnishings, to upgrading the roofing after a few years or changing the function of your shed to keep it an exciting element in your garden.

You can do many things to make it your own and maximize its potential. Read through these garden shed ideas:

The sky’s the limit in decorating and filling your new space.

Conclusion

When it comes to outdoor storage sheds, there are a plethora of options out there. Finding your perfect shed for your space, needs, and budget requires consideration and planning. There are many advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing the shed that will benefit you the most. If you’re interested, you can also learn about the benefits of sheds with porches. If you think that perhaps a 12×24 storage building is best for you, you could start that journey by reading this article. To find your perfect garden shed, go check out our outdoor storage sheds, and with our 3D design tool, pre-built sheds, and expert advice, you will undoubtedly find the shed for you.

No matter what you decide, we wish you all the best on your new garden shed ventures!

Inventory

Do you remember being a kid and loving to play pretend? Kids love it. They play as kings and queens, doctors, police, and you name it. Whatever they dream, they can imagine into fruition. Giving them one of the many children’s playhouses available today is the best way to encourage this playful and imaginative spirit. They can have their own imaginary worlds while playing outside safely.

Whether your child needs a secret hideaway, a spy treehouse, or just a pretend home all to themselves, a playhouse creates amazing childhood memories. Moreover, your playhouse can easily become anything you like with the range of accessories and toys available.

The best outdoor playhouses provide your children with a fun place to play that encourages being active outside and promotes creativity and learning.

What Makes A Good Playhouse?

First, it is crucial to establish a budget and price range to start looking in. Furthermore, an idea of size and type of material is a must. Children’s playhouses range in size, and so the child’s age will correlate with the size of your outdoor playhouse. There are many pros and cons to the different types of materials available, including ease of assembly.

Next, with your budget, size, and material decided on, you’ll need to decide which of the accessories options are the best for you. Do you need a working window? A slide? A built-in kitchen? Will you add to the playhouse as your children grow? The options are endless.

If you are unsure, it is always easy to ask relatives and friends about what worked best for them and compare feedback.

exterior of wooden playhouse for sale

Outdoor Playhouses: The Main Categories

There are several types of outdoor playhouses available that range in size, material, and price. Here is a look at the main categories and the pros and cons attached to each.

Ultra-Budget

This kind of playhouse is made of cardboard and is by far the cheapest type available.

Pros:

.

Cons:

. You will need to keep rebuying if your children love them or end up buying a different type of playhouse that lasts longer.

interior of backyard playhouse for sale

Budget

Budget children’s playhouses are generally made of plastic and come in many varying types with accessories attached.

Pros:

Cons:

. While the plastic will last, the bright colors will fade over time.

Mid-Level

The most customizable and durable option is wooden playhouses.

Pros:

Cons:

They sometimes don’t come with the extra accessories and will need to be purchased extra or built yourself.

Full-Size

Full-size playhouses are even bigger and add more options to your child’s outdoor space. With the potential for multiple rooms and purposes, it is an excellent option for bigger kids or families with multiple children.

Pros:

Cons:

.

.

exterior photo of childrens playhouse for sale

Luxury

Luxury children’s playhouses are the creme de la creme. These resemble real houses and are often double story and available in many architectural styles or able to be custom ordered.

Pros:

Cons:

They also take longer to order than others and need to be ordered and paid for further in advance.

Getting A Full-Size Outdoor Playhouse

With a large number of playhouses out there, it is hard to know where to go to get the best one. Here’s a couple of our in-stock playhouses.

Feel free to view our inventory page to see our full selection of in-stock playhouses.

Where To Buy Outdoor Playhouses

We specialize in outdoor wooden playhouses and have everything you need to acquire one, including helpful advice.

What To Put Under An Outdoor Playhouse

With the higher-end playhouses, you will need something sturdy as your base. Grass or dirt is unstable and would not be the most suitable. It is recommended to place your playhouse on top of a solid level surface to avoid it being crooked or not sitting correctly and potentially being a hazard.

How To Paint An Outdoor Playhouse

Painting your playhouse is a similar process to painting a real house. You’ll need the usual essentials such as paint, brushes, rollers, a paint tray, and painter’s tape if you’re attempting detail work.

It would be best to start by checking your timber type and how it’s been treated. You’ll also need to check for cracks or splinters that need to be sanded to allow a smooth finish.

Next is the cleaning and priming of the entirety of the exterior. After your primer is set, you can apply an undercoat of your chosen color, sand to even out bumps, and then finish by applying one or two topcoats in either gloss or satin for a smooth and shiny finish. Alternatively, you can purchase outdoor wooden playhouses that have already been painted if you’d wish to skip this step.

excellent exterior photo of outdoor playhouse for sale

Setting Up A Full-Size Outdoor Playhouse

Setting up your wooden playhouse with your child can be an extremely fun step, and it allows them to express their creativity and vision for their new space.

What To Put In An Outdoor Playhouse

The options for how to decorate your backyard playhouse are endless. For younger children, you might like to consider a play kitchen. For older children, it could be a safe study or reading place. You can decorate with authentic furniture and even let your children bring home comforts outdoors.

How Do I Decorate My Outdoor Playhouse?

Decorating your playhouse is the most enjoyable step for children, and you can follow a style or their favorite theme. It could serve a purpose such as a reading nook, craft room, study space, or even a pretend cafe. As the playhouse grows with your child, you can enjoy switching themes and purpose.

Your playhouse can be furnished with beanbags, shelves and storage, kid’s furniture, or hang a blackboard they can endlessly scribble on.

For a more personal and cozy touch, you can add blankets and pillows, books, fairy lights, homemade curtains, board games, and even sleeping bags for sleepovers!

How Do You Dress Up A Backyard Playhouse?

Soft furnishings, like the aforementioned, can easily dress up a space. Moreover, dressing up the outside can elevate the look of your backyard playhouse and the entirety of your outdoor space.

You can add planter boxes and flowers and even make it another activity for your children to partake in. Providing children with something to take ownership over will make it feel like their own house they need to take care of.

Conclusion

Outdoor wooden playhouses will add endless enjoyment to your children’s lives as they grow. Playhouses provide the opportunity for your children to be creative and imaginative in their own safe space and promote responsibility and autonomy. By the way, playhouses are similar in size to our chicken coops; if you would like to learn about the benefits of backyard chickens, read this article.

To see examples of some real-life playhouse options, go check out our playhouses page. You can also see our inventory of playhouses for sale in Kentucky and Tennesee or request a quote on a custom playhouse!

Inventory

12x20 sheds

If you’re fighting for space in your garage and need a little more room to store some of the items that you don’t use regularly, then 12×20 sheds may just be the perfect answer. 

These larger storage sheds are good for those who need to store items such as ATVs, motorcycles, and other vehicles that aren’t used on a daily basis. They’re also great for storing outdoor equipment like lawnmowers or tools that you use once or twice a year during certain seasons of the year. 

In this article, we’ll be providing you with a complete overview of 12×20 sheds, from how much they cost to the different styles available to how you should start with your shed plans. Of course, we also got smaller sizes as well, like 200 sq. ft. sheds.

Let’s dive in!

How Much Does a 12×20 Shed Cost?

rainy day in autumn

An old cabin with a fence line on a rainy day during Fall of the year.

Firstly, let’s talk price. 

12×20 sheds are larger than the average shed that you’d typically find in most backyards or driveways. This means they’re usually more expensive to purchase when compared with smaller storage sheds, like an outdoor garden tool shed, for example. If you’re interested in learning more about garden sheds, check out our “Garden Sheds: The Complete Guide” article to read more.

To get a better idea of cost, let’s break down the expenses for a pre-built 12×20 shed vs. a DIY 12×20 shed. 

Before we get into the price specifics, our “Outdoor Shed Cost: 2024 Overview” is another great article that talks about outdoor shed costs.

How Much Does a Pre-Built 12×20 Shed Cost?

Base Price

In general, the price for a 12×20 shed ranges from about $5,000 to $16,000+, depending on the size, style, the number of add-ons, and other factors. As of 2021, most of our basic 12×20 shed styles start between $6000 – $7000. For an idea of current shed pricing, check out our current inventory or request a custom shed quote.

Delivery Cost

Delivery costs can also vary when it comes to 12×20 sheds. It all depends on what type of shed you have purchased. For instance, a 12×20 shed with loft, a 12×20 storage shed, a 12×20 wood shed, etc. Most shed builders or shed delivery companies charge a per-mile fee; some also include a flat base delivery fee. Here at Esh’s Utility Buildings, we offer free delivery of 12×20 sheds within 50 miles of any of our sales locations; we charge a per-mile price after the first 50 miles.

How Much Does a DIY 12×20 Shed Cost?

If you want to DIY it, you’ll need to factor in the price of materials and tools, plus whatever your labor is worth. If you do not have these items on hand already, this could bump up your building costs considerably.

Material Options and Its Costs 

The common materials used to build these 12×20 sheds include: 

● Plastic 

Vinyl

● Wood (painted or stained)

Metal 

It’s essential to keep in mind that the material you choose for your shed will affect the cost dramatically. 

Cost Effect of Materials at a Glance 

The cost of materials for building a 12×20 shed varies widely depending on the exact design of the shed, the time of the year, and material availability. As of 2021, the approximate price range of materials for building several popular types of 12×20 sheds are as follows:

Vinyl Siding – $2,500 – $6,000 

Wood – $4,250 – $9,800 

Metal – $4,000 – $12,000 

The Tools 

The following is a list of some tools that are useful to have on hand if you plan to build your own 12×20 shed. Depending on the materials and construction style you choose, this may be an incomplete list:

● Safety glasses 

● Safety gloves 

● Miter saw 

● Jigsaw 

● Chalk line 

● Tape measure 

● Spirit level 

● Carpentry pencil 

● Drill machinery and drill bits 

The Time

If you’re skilled and determined enough, building your own 12×20 shed can be done over a weekend.

12×20 Shed Styles 

When it comes to the style of your 12×20 shed, there are several different choices that you have to choose from. Here’s how each style differs:

12×20 Ranch/A-Frame Sheds

12x20 ranch a frame shed in ky and tn

The most common 12×20 shed type is the traditional A-frame design, which can add some architectural interest to your backyard. At the same time, it can also act as an efficient storage space. These particular sheds typically have exteriors made out of wood, vinyl, or metal, all of which have advantages and disadvantages compared to each other.

See Our In-Stock 12×20 Ranch Sheds

To see more ranch sheds, browse our entire 12×20 ranch shed inventory.

12×20 High Barn Sheds

12x20 high barn sheds in ky and tn

These high-style barn sheds are timeless and will definitely help improve the look of your property. 

Thanks to a gambrel roof design, this storage building comes standard with two overhead lofts, which means there’s plenty of space for that extra stuff. 

When you purchase your high barn loft from us, it comes completely customizable. You choose the colors, roofing material, siding style, doors…everything you need to create the perfect outdoor shed for your property.

See Our In-Stock 12×20 High Barn Sheds

To see more high barn sheds, browse our entire 12×20 high barn shed inventory.

12×20 Low Barn Sheds

12x20 low barn shed in ky and tn

Simple and portable, the beautiful 12X20 Low Barn Sheds are the most affordable option for a storage shed. You can let your imagination take root with these low-profile 12X20 storage sheds as you use our online shed designer tool to create your dream shed.

12×20 Garage Sheds

12x20 garage shed in ky and tn

The 12×20 garage shed is a very practical choice for anyone who needs affordable vehicle storage space and has the extra room to accommodate this larger-sized shed.

As the name states, these 12×20 storage sheds are often used to store recreational vehicles such as ATVs, motorcycles, and lawnmowers because they can easily fit in the garage-style doors found on most of these buildings. If you’re interested in garage sheds, feel free to read our comprehensive guide on garage sheds.

12×20 Cabin Sheds

12x20 cabin shed in ky and tn

The 12×20 cabin shed is a very stylish design that will make you feel like you’re living in the mountains. Transforming you to another place and time, these cabin-style sheds are an excellent option for anyone who wants the country feel in their backyard. 

The 12×20 storage shed can be constructed from different types of wood materials, depending on your preference. 12×20 wood sheds are sure to add a rustic touch to your home. This style of shed is perfect for hunting cabins, summer camp lodging, or even as additional storage space on your property.

Although this article is about 12×20 sheds, we’ve got plenty of other shed sizes; if you want to see our a wide selection of in-stock sheds, feel free to browse our entire shed inventory.

12×20 Shed Plans

12x20 shed plan in ky and tn

It can be a daunting task to custom design your 12×20 shed. There are so many factors involved, from the dimensions of your property to where you want to place it on that land to the color of the roof and siding. It’s enough for anyone to get overwhelmed when looking at building a large storage shed. 

Luckily, there’s an easy solution: shed plans. 

With a solid shed plan, you can create all the room you need to organize tools, stack up lawn furniture, and even work on hobbies or a business. 

Important Features of Your 12×20 Shed Plan 

Depending on your needs for storage space, you’ll want to take note of the most important features that each shed plan offers. Here are some important questions to consider: 

● How much room do I have in my backyard? 

● Do I have any restrictions from local ordinances or homeowners associations? ● What is my budget? 

● What is the weather like where I live? Do I need to pay extra attention to waterproofing or insulation features in my shed plan? 

● Do I want a design that will stand out from other buildings on my property, or blend into the natural landscape around it? 

● How much time do I have for construction? Do I need something that will work for a do-it-yourself project?

● Are there any other features I would like to add to my 12×20 shed plan, such as: garage doors, windows, or sliding doors? Do I want a 12×20 shed with loft? 

● What size and style of the door should be included in the design plans for my 12×20 shed? ● What specific tools will I need to build my 12×20 shed? 

● Is there anything else I need to consider for the project, such as safety equipment or job site storage bins? 

● How long do I expect this process to take me? What level of experience do I have at building projects like these? 

Planning a 12×20 Shed With a 3D Shed Builder

12x20 shed with a 3d shed builder

Once you have a good idea of what your 12×20 shed plans need to include, you can bring your idea to life with our online 3D shed design tool. With this easy-to-use platform, you’ll be able to effortlessly configure your shed plans and view them in a three-dimensional rendering that will give you an accurate idea of what the final product looks like before it’s ever built! 

This is fantastic news for anyone who’s ever struggled with designing a building plan or been frustrated by the lack of options when it comes to customizing their own shed plans. With so many different factors to consider when planning out your 12×20 storage shed, this tool will ensure you get every detail right from start to finish!

How Big is a 12×20 Shed?

how big is a 12x20 shed

At its most straightforward, a 12×20 shed covers 240 square feet, although the interior size will be a bit smaller given the thickness of the walls.

A 12×20 shed is a relatively simple design but has enough room to fit almost anything you would need in it. It’s often used as a workshop or storage space for larger tools and equipment that cannot be kept inside the home. As a side note, if you’re looking for a little bit more of a cheaper shed option, you can learn more about the 12×16 shed size.

The Exterior Dimensions of a 12×20 Storage Shed

exterior of a 12x20 storage shed

The exterior dimensions are typically around 12′-1 1/2″ W x 20′-1 1/2″ L x 11′-6″ H. This gives you ample space for storage and work projects, depending on what your needs for this type of structure might be. 

The Interior Dimensions of a 12×20 Storage Shed

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After accounting for the thickness of the walls, a 12’×20′ shed gives you approximately 220 square feet of interior storage space, which is enough space to house 2-3 lawn care equipment as well as a workbench. A 12×20 shed with a loft would offer a bit of additional overhead storage space.

How Much Does a 12×20 Shed Weigh?

While it depends on the exact style and the materials used, the base weight for a 12×20 shed is around 3100 lbs.

What Can You Fit in a 12×20 Shed?

A 12×20 storage shed is ideal for keeping larger tools and equipment, such as: 

● Bicycles 

● Lawnmower 

● Vehicle 

● Boat 

● Snowmobile 

● ATV 

● Motorcycles 

● Tools you use infrequently (extra shovels/rakes) 

● Or seasonal items like holiday decorations 

While it’s fantastic for storage, a 12×20 shed is also a great place to work on projects such as:

● Painting 

● Fixing household appliances

● Woodworking and carpentry-related projects like furniture, shelving, etc. This space can even double as an art studio! 

It can even be turned into a separate living space, man cave, or a she-shed. Or, you could transform your shed into an office space. If an office shed interests you, this article has some great office shed ideas. The possibilities are truly endless! 

Does a 12×20 Shed Need a Foundation?

does a 12x20 shed need a foundation

It is recommended to have a 12×20 shed foundation for supporting your structure.

Blocks are the most affordable option and least labor-intensive. However, if you’re looking for something with a bit more structural integrity, we recommend building your shed on a 12×20 gravel foundation. This option is excellent for those who want to go above and beyond with their building plans, as the gravel pad drains better and provides superior support that will last over time. 

How Much Does the Foundation Cost for a 12×20 shed? 

Foundation costs depend primarily on the type of foundation and whether or not you need to hire professionals for installation. 

Hiring a contractor is the easiest way of ensuring that your 12×20 shed plans are brought to life as you imagined them, and this will also save time on research and legwork!

If you’re interested in constructing a gravel shed foundation yourself, this guide gives an excellent step-by-step overview of how to do that.

Here are some of the most popular 12×20 shed foundation options: 

Blocks – The cheapest option, but also the least durable.

Gravel (best) – Strikes a nice balance of affordability, durability, and ease-of-installation.

Concrete – The most durable and the most expensive option; concrete foundations are best for sheds that are built on-site and don’t include a built-in wood floor.

The Conclusion 

All in all, 12X20 sheds provide a space for your belongings and offer you the ability to work on projects, create more storage, or move your office out of the house. It’ll look great in any garden, and allow you to do more with your land than you could before! Our “Garden Sheds: The Complete Guide” is a great place to start if you’re interested in learning more about garden sheds. Or, if you’re looking for more of a shed for your livestock, you could learn more about loafing sheds in this article.

We hope that this informative guide has been helpful in your decision to purchase a 12×20 storage shed. You can learn more about 12×20 sheds by exploring our website, where you’ll find detailed specifications like base size, peak height, window dimensions, and much more. If you want to get a little bit of a larger shed, you could read this article on 12×24 storage buildings. We also offer prefab detached garage sheds; if you want to learn more about these garage sheds, read this article.

We also offer a 3D online design tool, so customers can get a good idea of how they would want the inside set up before making a purchase decision! Use the 3D shed builder today and see what our beautiful structures have to offer!

Inventory

portable cabins under 10000

Nature lovers and those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors will love prebuilt cabins.  They provide a safe space that shelters you from the elements, a place for your little one’s imagination to run wild, and can even be used for cozy outdoor gatherings. 

Your outdoor sanctuary should be the perfect retreat that you’ve always wanted. Whether your prebuilt cabin is a place to get away from it all, or somewhere for your kids to play, there are many beautiful memories just waiting to be made. 

The only problem? Prebuilt cabins have a reputation for being a little pricey. As nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers ourselves, we understand the struggle of keeping within a  budget, while still getting what you want. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide filled with answers to your all-important questions.  Here, we’ll discuss topics like ”can you buy a tiny home for $10,000?” and even outline what to expect when you receive your very own. 

Let’s dive in!

Prebuilt Cabins Under $10,000: Is It Even Feasible?

portable cabins in kentucky 5 1600x1600

This is a question that we get pretty often, and understandably so. In most cases, you can buy a tiny home or prebuilt cabin for $10,000, but it will just be the cabin shell. Features like interior finishing, plumbing, and electrical are not usually included in prefab cabins under $10,000.

The feasibility of prebuilt cabins under $10,000 really comes down to your needs. Are you looking for an entire cabin set up, or just the shell? What materials are important to you, and how much do they cost? Can you build it yourself (and what skillset is required)? 

What Constitutes a Pre-Fabricated Cabin?

portable cabins in kentucky 7 1600x1600

When you find pre-fabricated cabins for sale under $10,000, what are you actually getting? 

At its simplest, a pre-fabricated cabin consists of a prebuilt “shell”, including the main structural components. Sometimes, it doesn’t necessarily come with pre-cut windows, doors, or pre-installed utilities. Some pre-fabricated cabins are completely prebuilt in a factory setting beforehand, while others may be partially pre-assembled to save on cost. 

Typically, a pre-fabricated cabin includes all of the exterior components such as:  

This prebuilt shell is then transported to your site fully constructed or in partially constructed sections. The cabin is typically installed on pre-dug footings, although small cabins can be installed on crushed stone pads. Your contractor then finishes the cabin to suit your design preferences, or you can do it yourself with the proper tools and know-how. 

Let’s break it down further:  

● Small, completely pre-fabricated cabins can be delivered entirely constructed. You’re able to find a cabin for sale for under $10,000, but it will come unfinished. Click here to see our current inventory of small cabins for sale under $10,000 in KY and TN. 

● Large, partially pre-fabricated cabins are sometimes delivered in sections and are assembled/finished onsite. However, they’re likely to come at a hefty price point of  $50,000 – $200,000 depending on the size, interior finishing options, etc. You can browse examples of large prefab cabins here

Can You Buy a PreBuilt Cabin Under $10,000? 

portable cabins for sale in tennessee 3 1600x1600

It’s entirely possible to find prebuilt cabins under $10,000, but they may not be pre-assembled or prebuilt entirely. Some of these prebuilt cabins come in sections that you then need to assemble onsite, while others arrive built, but are left unfinished on the inside. 

To get a better idea of what to expect, here are some examples of prebuilt cabins under  $10,000: 

Can You Build a Cabin for $10,000 and Under?

portable cabins for sale in kentucky under $10000 1

Many of those who don’t want to purchase a prebuilt cabin outright, often ask ”Can you build a  cabin for $10,000?” 

In short, the answer really depends on how comfortable you are with DIY. You can generally buy the materials to build and finish a small cabin for under $10,000 if you do not factor your own labor into the equation. Of course, you can build a cabin yourself if you have the right skills and tools, but it isn’t always recommended for first-time builders to attempt constructing their own cabin. 

However, if you would like to give it a shot, we want to ensure that you go into this as prepared as possible. Here are two options to consider for building your own cabin for under $10,000. 

Building from a Kit  

If you’re building a cabin from a kit, you’ll want to make sure you’re building the right way. While this is certainly possible, it also needs to be done correctly in order for your cabin build-out to go smoothly and turn out how you envision it. 

What does prebuilding a kit involve? Well, it all depends on what kind of prebuilt cabin you have purchased (and the company you’re prebuilding with). You’ll need to: 

● pre-construct the walls 

● pre-install insulation and sheathing (and exterior siding) 

● prebuild the roof trusses, 

● pre hang doors/windows with opening mechanisms 

● and pre-install utilities.

In general, the lower the cost of a cabin kit, the more prep and building work you’ll need to put into it yourself.

Building from Scratch 

Can you build a cabin for $10,000 from scratch? Well, If you’ve got the time, skills, tools, and training necessary to prebuild a cabin from scratch – why not? It can be an incredible experience that will help you gain valuable construction knowledge along the way. 

If you’re looking to start from scratch, small cabin construction prices for a cabin are relatively affordable. 

The cost of building, which includes foundation work and rebuilding costs, is typically between  $60 – $100 per square foot. For most cabins under 500sqft in size, that’s an average prefab cabin price of around $20k-$40K! In terms of building costs, the total price could be as low as a few thousand dollars or as high as tens of thousands, depending on your location, the materials used, and how much work you’re willing/able to do yourself. 

If you think you may want to try building your own cabin for under $10,000, here are a few resources to get you started:

Popular Styles of Prebuilt Cabins Under $10,000

portable cabins for sale in kentucky under $10000

Here are several prefab cabin styles that we sell in Kentucky and Tennessee; many of the cabin shells we sell are under $10,000.

Ranch Cabin 

The Ranch Cabin is a small “A-Frame” cabin option. The roofline of an A-frame cabin features a steep slope that resembles a triangle or the letter  “A”. 

Our prebuilt A-frame ranch cabin is constructed out of strong, durable materials that are made to last.  This affordable pre-fabricated cabin offers a unique design with an open floor plan, perfect for entertaining guests or relaxing at home. Below are some of the current Ranch Cabins we have in stock.

Lofted High Barn Cabin 

A prebuilt Lofted High Barn Cabin is a rustic gambrel-roofed design that features the classic look of an old barn with open ceilings and wide doorways. This prebuilt cabin offers additional overhead space, so we typically build a loft into these cabins. 

Whether you’re looking to build your own home or just want something fun for weekend getaways, this pre-assembled prefab cabin is an excellent choice for any buyer. Below are some of the current Lofted High Barn Cabins we have in stock.

How to Buy a Prebuilt Cabin for Under $10,000?

portable cabins for sale in kentucky under $10000

If you’re looking for a prefab cabin but aren’t sure where to start, the good news is that you have plenty of options. Here are a few options to consider when searching for a small prebuilt cabin. 

Buy the Shell Only

The prebuilt cabin shell is a popular choice for those who want a fully functional structure that can be finished on their own timeline. Many folks purchase one of our prefab cabin shells for under $10,000, then finish it out as they have the time and resources.

A prebuilt cabin shell is priced at a fraction of the cost of an already-finished model, and you have the opportunity to choose your own interior design and layout. 

Buy With Rent-to-Own Option 

If you want a cabin but don’t have the budget for one just yet, consider buying with the rent-to-own option. Rent-to-own allows you to make a set number of monthly rental payments, after which ownership of the building is transferred to you.

Be sure to check with the shed builder and the third-party rent-to-own provider to see what uses are permitted with your cabin during the rental period. While you may need to pay it off in full before you can start using it as a dwelling, this prebuilt prefabricated house is ready to go on the day you take full possession. Check out our article here to learn more about rent-to-own sheds!

Buy a Preowned Cabin 

Another option is to buy a used prebuilt cabin. If a cabin has been part of a rent-to-own program and has been returned, it will often be sold at a significant discount. 

This prebuilt pre-fabricated house isn’t new, but it has already gone through the pre-construction process and should be ready for you to customize your interior design or furnishings. This is an excellent option for prebuilt cabin shoppers who are on a tight budget, have limited time to build their own pre-assembled prefabricated house, or simply don’t want the hassle of pre-building. Keep in mind that preowned sheds and cabins are extremely popular due to their discounted price, so don’t wait too long to make a purchasing decision if you see one become available!

In Stock Cabins for Sale Under $10,000

portable cabins for sale in kentucky under $10000

As you can see, it’s certainly possible to find a cabin for under $10,000. You just need to know where to look! Esh’s Utility Buildings is a manufacturer and retailer of prefabricated sheds, garages,  cabins, and other portable structures in central Kentucky and Tennessee. If you’re interested, you can also learn about the benefits of cabin sheds with porches. Both in-stock and made-to-order prefab buildings are available. If you want to learn more about outdoor shed costs, our “Outdoor Shed Cost: 2024 Overview” is a great resource. We also have a complete guide about rent-to-own cabins. Or, you can read about how Deborah found the cabin home of her dreams.

Below are the prefab cabins we currently have for sale for under $10,000. For additional price and style filters, see our full prefab building inventory. Or design a custom-built cabin, completely according to your preferences.

Inventory

[Burkesville, KY, August 23, 2021] Esh’s Utility Buildings, a shed builder headquartered in Burkesville, KY, has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 2021 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies in the United States. The company was ranked #2761 on the list with a three-year revenue growth rate of 145% for the period from 2017-2020. Esh’s Utility Buildings was included on the Inc. 5000 list under their Kentucky state-registered business name, Gingerich Structures, LLC.

Founded in 1984, Esh’s Utility Buildings has seen expanded growth in recent years, including throughout the pandemic. In addition to simple sheds and storage buildings, their product lines have grown to include prefabricated garages, cabin shells, horse run-ins, dog kennels, chicken coops, children’s playhouses, and more.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Esh’s Utility Buildings saw strong sales in 2020. “The pandemic didn’t really affect our sales,” says Chad Gingerich, CEO of Esh’s Utility Buildings. “If anything, it made us even busier. It affected our ability to get materials, but not our sales so much.”

Gingerich credits the company’s growth in part to greater online visibility. The company launched a new website in the spring of 2020, including a 3D modeling tool that allows shoppers to create and save customized building designs. The company also began listing all in-stock buildings on their website, enabling website visitors to see the specific buildings available at every sales location.

An expanded network of physical sales locations has also allowed more customers to see buildings for themselves and enjoy the in-person buying experience. Esh’s Utility Buildings has sales locations throughout central Kentucky, including in Glasgow, Elizabethtown, Bowling Green, and Tompkinsville. Locations in Tennessee include the cities of Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, and Lafayette.

About Esh’s Utility Buildings

Esh’s Utility Buildings is a manufacturer and retailer of prefabricated sheds, garages, cabins, and other portable structures. For over 35 years, Esh’s Utility Buildings has been a leader in central Kentucky’s prefabricated building industry, focusing on customizable structures and detail-oriented construction. Esh’s Utility Buildings is headquartered in Burkesville, KY, and serves customers throughout central Kentucky and Tennessee. For more information, visit www.eshutilitybuildings.com.

Contact:

Judson Hibner
Marketing and Sales Manager
(270) 864-3381
judson@eshutilitybuildings.com

Source: Esh’s Utility Buildings

Download press release as a PDF.

Inventory

As a property owner, insulation is one of the easiest ways to generate ongoing savings. Every degree of heat (or cooling) you keep in a building is a degree you don’t have to pay to generate!

In locales that experience at least a few months of cold weather every year, insulating homes and attached garages makes a lot of sense. But what about insulating detached garages?

In this article we’ll dive into some of the most commonly asked questions around detached garage insulation, including:

Should I Insulate a Detached Garage? – The Short Answer

In general, you should insulate your detached garage if it is located within IECC climate zone 4 or above, particularly if you plan to spend much time in the garage during cold weather months. You will also want to insulate a detached garage if you will be adding a heating or cooling system to the building, regardless of the climate zone.

Why You Should Insulate a Detached Garage

There are a number of benefits to insulating your detached garage, including:

Comfort

This one’s a no brainer. It feels a lot better to work in a garage that’s NOT freezing in the winter and roasting in the summer. Insulating a detached garage can help to reduce rapid temperature swings in the building, even if no additional heating/cooling is introduced. As a sidenote, we also have a comprehensive guide to garage sheds that you’d be welcome to read!

Energy Savings

Of course, in most cases, if you add insulation to your detached garage, you’ll also be adding heating and/or cooling. Long story short, the better your garage is insulated, the less you’ll need to spend on energy costs.

We ran some quick calculations on the energy savings of insulating a 24×24 detached garage here in KY. By our rough estimate, for a garage heated consistently throughout the winter, insulating four walls, garage doors, floor, and ceiling to R-19 would result in about $1050/year in energy savings! (For the nerds: these calculations are based on a location like Kentucky with about 4000 heating degree days annually, 1900 sq. ft. of surface area with uninsulated walls starting at R-3, and heating with a propane space heater running at 90% efficiency and costing $1.70/gallon of propane.)

Those are some significant savings!

Protecting Your Belongings

Cold weather especially can be hard on some items. An unheated garage can be hard on any items with batteries (especially lithium ion,) paints, caulks, and many other chemical-based products. Drastic temperature swings in the spring and fall can also cause condensation in the garage, creating additional rust and mildew issues. And of course, if there’s plumbing in your detached garage, you don’t want the pipes to freeze!

Types of Insulation for Detached Garages

There is a huge variety of insulation styles and materials on the market (literally dozens!) We’ll compare several of the most popular kinds of detached garage insulation based on packaging/installation type.

Before we dive in, it’s important to know that insulation is measured in R-values. R-value stands for “resistance value” and is a measurement of how much a given material resists the conductive flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better a material is at insulating. Materials are generally measured in R-value per inch (wood is ~R-1/inch,) while packaged insulation products are often measured by their total R-value (pink fiberglass insulation batts are ~R-15.)

Here are some of the types of insulation to consider for insulating your detached garage:

Rolls

Roll insulation is typically sold in widths designed to fit between standard stud framing. 10”, 15”, and 23” are the most common widths of roll insulation, for use between 12”, 16”, and 24” framing, respectively. The most common type of roll insulation for detached garages is:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass roll insulation is one version of the common “pink” insulation found in many detached garages and homes across the United States. As the name indicates, it’s made from tiny fibers of glass packed together. Photo: Home Depot

Fiberglass roll insulation is typically available with R-values from R-5 to R-30, depending on the thickness. Keep in mind that fiberglass insulation is an eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritant (think itchy!) It’s important to wear the proper protection while installing it: long-sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves, head covering, and, in some cases, eye and respiratory protection.

Batts

Batt insulation is probably the most common type of detached garage insulation (along with roll insulation.) Like roll insulation, batts typically come in 10”, 15”, and 23” widths. Basically, a batt is a strip of roll insulation that has been cut to a specific length.

Batts can be either faced (meaning they include paper or plastic backing on one side) or unfaced. The facing on bat insulation functions as a vapor retarder to slow the transfer of air moisture. Additionally, faced insulation may include a stapling tab for fastening the insulation to the joists; unfaced batts (and some faced) are usually tables or “friction fit,” meaning they can simply be pushed into wall cavities.

Common types of batt insulation include:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass batts have many of the same characteristics of roll insulation. The main differences: fiberglass insulation batts are generally sold in lengths of 48” or 93” and come with R-values from R-8 to R-49, depending on the thickness.

As mentioned above, it’s important to wear the right protective gear when installing fiberglass insulation in your detached garage.

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool is a term that encapsulates several sub-groups of insulation, including rockwool and slag wool. Mineral wool has many similarities to fiberglass but is typically a bit more rigid. Hence, mineral wool is almost always sold in batts and must be cut with an insulation saw.

Mineral wool insulation batts are sold with R-values from R-15 to R-30, depending on the thickness. While not as irritating as fiberglass, it’s still a good idea to wear protective gear while installing mineral wool insulation in your detached garage. Be especially mindful to protect against inhaling mineral wool insulation dust.

Cotton

Most cotton insulation batts on the market are made from recycled denim…old blue jeans! While cotton would be a more expensive way to insulate your detached garage, it has the benefits of being environmentally friendly and requiring no protective gear during installation. Photo: Elemental Green

Cotton/denim insulation batts range from R-6.7 to R-30, depending on the thickness. One major benefit of insulating your detached garage with cotton is…no protective gear required!

Loose-Fill

Also referred to as “blown-in insulation,” loose-fill is particularly useful for insulating attics and ceiling spaces. It’s also popular for retrofitting insulation into old houses and insulating detached garage ceilings. Loose-fill is great for insulating odd-shaped spaces, as it naturally fills all cracks and crevices. When blown loose-fill insulation is compressed into wall spaces, it is sometimes differentiated as “dense-packed.”

Loose-fill insulation is typically sold in 19lb or 30lb bales. During installation, the bales are placed into a machine called an insulation blower which shreds them and blows the insulation through a hose into the area being insulated. Because of the special equipment required, loose-fill insulation is often installed by professionals; you can rent an insulation blower for about $100/day if you want to insulate your detached garage yourself. You should always where protective gear, especially respiratory protection, when installing loose-fill insulation. Types of loose-fill insulation include:

Cellulose

This is by far the most common type of loose-fill insulation for detached garages (or any other structure, for that matter.)

Cellulose insulation is largely made of recycled newspapers, treated for pest resistance and flame retardance. Cellulose insulation has an average R-value of about R-3.5/inch; the thicker the application, the better it will insulate.

Fiberglass

The primary reason folks choose fiberglass loose-fill insulation over cellulose is price.

In general, fiberglass loose-fill costs a bit less than cellulose loose fill insulation. In addition, it’s naturally fire-retardant. However, the downsides of loose-fill fiberglass insulation include a lower R-value per inch (~R-2.5/inch) and higher respiratory risks during installation.

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool is the least common type of loose-fill insulation for detached garages.

Loose-fill mineral wool has many of the same properties as loose-fill fiberglass. The R-value of loose-fill mineral wool insulation is about R-3/inch.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation has seen a drastic surge in popularity over the last few years. It’s no surprise since spray foam can be used as insulation in a huge variety of applications, both interior and exterior, and can also act as a sound, fire, and/or moisture barrier in some applications. It has become increasingly common to use spray foam for insulating detached garages, as well.

Spray foam insulation can be manufactured from various products, including latex and urea formaldehyde, but the most common variety is polyurethane spray foam. Spray foam insulation comes in two main categories:

Open-cell (ocSPF)

Open-cell spray foam is the cheaper of the two options. It’s often referred to as “low-density” due to the fact that it weighs only 0.5 lbs/ft3.

With an insulation value of approximately R-3.8/inch, ocSPF serves many of the same purposes as fiberglass insulation batts, but with better coverage in small corners.

Closed-cell (ccSPF)

Closed-cell spray foam is arguably both the most effective and the most expensive insulation widely used today. It’s much denser than open-cell spray foam, weighing around 2 lbs/ft3. Thanks to its toughness and rigidity, it can even be incorporated as a structural element in some applications. (The photo below shows the differences between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulations in microscopic detail.)

Closed-cell spray foam boasts an incredible R-6/inch, making it more than twice as effective as fiberglass batts and rolls. The main drawback of closed-cell spray foam insulation is its cost, which can be as much as double the cost of other insulation options.

Closed-cell spray foam is usually installed by professional insulators. This is due to the fact that most spray foam is a two-part chemical mixture which is mixed in the spray gun during the installation process and requires special equipment and protective gear to handle. Both open-cell and closed-cell spray foams can be purchased in small cans with one-part mixtures; these cans are suitable for sealing small spaces but can’t be used in a large project like insulating a detached garage.

ccSPF works very well in applications where it’s necessary to get the maximum total R-value out of the fewest inches of insulation (for instance, when insulating a structure with 2×4 framing.)

Panels

Insulation panels are a popular, versatile type of insulation. They are made from a number of different materials and can be used in interior and exterior applications, pretty much anywhere from the basement to the attic of a structure.

Aside from ccSPF, insulation panels have some of the highest R-values per inch of any insulation type, making them a great option for insulating a detached garage. Panel insulation is commonly sold in 4’x8’ sheets with thicknesses from ½” to 4” and is typically made from one of three materials:

EPS (Expanded polystyrene)

EPS insulation is the classic “Styrofoam” material, the same stuff that’s used in disposable hot/cold cups.

Generally white in color, EPS is popular for being the most versatile insulation board, as well as having the best R-value per dollar of any insulation board. It can be used below grade around concrete footers or in the walls and roof of a structure like a detached garage. EPS has an R-value that generally ranges from R-3.8 to R-4.6/inch.

XPS (Extruded polystyrene)

XPS panels are often blue or pink in color. While made of the same base material as EPS (polystyrene,) XPS is both more effective and more expensive than EPS.

XPS is often used on exterior walls or below grade. XPS absorbs more moisture than other insulation panels, so it’s R-value can degrade over time if it’s not kept dry. XPS has an approximate R-value of R-5/inch.

ISO (Polyisocyanurate, polyiso, PIR)

ISO-board is an extremely popular option for insulating the low-slope roofs of commercial buildings. However, it can be used in a wide variety of applications.

With a general range of R-5.8 to R-6.5/inch, ISO-board is one of the most efficient insulations other than ccSPF, making it a great choice for maximizing limited insulation space.

One possible downside of ISO-board: it’s the only type of insulation that performs worse (in terms of real R-value) when outdoor temperatures are lower. So, if you’re in Minnesota or a similarly frigid location, you may want to choose a different insulation panel for your detached garage!

Radiant Barriers

Heat transfer generally occurs in one of three ways: conduction, convection, and radiation. While most insulation is designed to prevent heat transfer by the first two methods, there are some types of insulation designed specifically to protect against radiation.

Radiant barrier insulation is generally used to protect cooled spaces from being warmed by radiant heat from the sun. These radiant barriers usually take the form of a foil-backed product.

Since R-value only measures a material’s effectiveness against conductive heat transfer, most (honest) radiant barrier insulations do not advertise an R-value.

The most common type of radiant barrier insulation for detached garages is:

Double Bubble

This insulation is essentially bubble-wrap with a metalized film on one or both sides.

It is most often used to insulate the back of garage doors and the underside of roofs (particularly metal roofs.) Double bubble insulation performs best when there is an air space on one side of it.

I know, that’s a long list. But you can’t compare insulation types unless you know what types there are to compare! So, of all these options, which is the best insulation for a detached garage?

What is the Best Insulation for a Detached Garage?

That question can be tough to answer because it depends on several factors. We’ll break it down by defining winners in several categories.

What is the Best Overall Detached Garage Insulation?

In most cases, the best insulation for a detached garage is fiberglass batts or rolls.

Classic fiberglass rolls/batts are probably still the most common form of detached garage insulation, and there’s a reason why. They hit that sweet spot of being both easy to install and cost-effective. Plus, they boast a relatively good R-value per inch.

What is the Best Warm-Climate Detached Garage Insulation?

The best insulation for garages in sunny areas is double-bubble radiant barrier.

If one of your main concerns is keeping your detached garage cool during hot summers, it’s important to guard against the radiant heat of the sun’s rays. That being said, you’ll still want to add a conductive insulation (batts, rolls, spray foam, etc.) if you plan to have air conditioning or heat in your garage.

What is the Best Detached Garage Insulation by R-value per Inch?

While it’s not the cheapest option out there, ccSPF (closed-cell spray foam) is the clear winner for getting maximum insulating power out of the fewest inches.

When insulating a garage with closed-cell spray foam, you can generally expect R-6/inch or better for closed-cell spray foam! 

How Much Does Insulating a Detached Garage Cost?

Now we get to the big question: what’s it going to cost? We’ll break the answer down in two different ways as follows:

What’s the Average Cost to Insulate a Detached Garage?

To be honest, that’s a hard question to answer simply! The cost of detached garage insulation varies widely based on the size and shape of the garage, as well as the type of insulation material chosen. The average cost to professionally insulate a two-car detached garage is $1500-$3500, depending on R-value and which parts of the garage are included. However, the cost of insulating a detached garage can range from $500 to $5500+. At the lower end of the range is a simple DIY job with fiberglass or loose-fill insulation; at the upper end is a professional insulation job with closed-cell spray foam.

For prefab detached garages, you can often buy them either insulated or uninsulated. A prefab garage with insulated walls, windows, and floors will generally cost 15%-20% more than an uninsulated garage shell; insulating only the floor will add about 10% to the cost.

What’s the Cheapest Way to Insulate a Detached Garage?

If you’re wondering how to insulate your garage cheaply, the do-it-yourself route will definitely be the best option! If you have the necessary skills and tools, cutting installation costs out of the equation is one significant way to save some $$$! Photo: Eric Mclean

In most cases, fiberglass batts/rolls are still the simplest and all-around cheapest option for detached garage insulation. If your detached garage has an attic area to insulate, loose-fill insulation can be an extremely affordable option, but keep in mind that you will need to rent an insulation blower to get the job done. (Some home improvement stores will include a free blower rental with materials purchases over a certain size.)

The table below gives approximate costs for insulating a 24×24 detached garage with both R-13 and R-19 of insulation materials. The prices displayed account for insulation materials only, purchased at retail prices from a major home improvement store; the exception is spray foam (the most difficult to DIY) which is shown with prices for professional installation. Prices are per square foot of insulated surface, NOT per building square foot.

Insulation TypeCost/square foot of insulation (R-13)Cost/square foot of insulation (R-19)Total Cost to Insulate 24x24 Detached Garage (R-13)Total Cost to Insulate 24x24 Detached Garage (R-19)
Rolls - Fberglass$0.44$0.65$594.00$877.50
Batts - Fiberglass$0.44$0.85$594.00 $1,147.50
Batts - Mineral Wool$0.75$1.31 $1,012.50 $1,768.50
Batts - Cotton$0.89$1.29 $1,201.50 $1,741.50
Loose Fill - Cellulose$0.15$0.21$202.50$283.50
Loose Fill - Fiberglass$0.24$0.36$324.00$486.00
Loose Fill - Mineral Wool$0.23$0.34$310.50$459.00
Panels - EPS$0.84$1.16 $1,134.00 $1,566.00
Panels - XPS$1.41$2.19 $1,903.50 $2,956.50
Panels - ISO$1.08$2.10 $1,458.00 $2,835.00
*Spray Foam - Open-cell (installation included)$1.37$2.00 $1,849.50 $2,700.00
*Spray Foam - Closed-cell (installation included)$2.82$4.12 $3,807.00 $5,562.00
*Spray foam prices include professional installation

How to Easily Insulate Your Detached Garage

So, at the end of the day, how can YOU easily insulate YOUR detached garage? For our part, we’re still recommending fiberglass batts as the easiest and simplest way to insulate your detached garage. (Of course, to choose the best insulation for your situation, you’ll need to factor in your specific climate zone, skill level, spare time, etc.)

There are a lot of great tutorials to help you get the job done, so we’re not going to reinvent the wheel. Below, we highlight some video resources to help you insulate each part of your detached garage.

How to Insulate Your Detached Garage Walls

As mentioned above, we recommend fiberglass batts for detached garage wall insulation. Choose batts based on the stud size and spacing in your garage (24” on-center is a common spacing; 2×6 is a common size.) Note that the maximum R-value of your insulated garage walls will be largely limited by the stud size: 2×4 walls can be insulated up to about R-15 and 2×6 walls can be insulated up to about R-21 (with fiberglass batts.)

You can choose either friction-fit batts or faced batts with staple tabs for fastening to the joists. Faced batts can be stapled to either the front or side of the joist; if you plan to add drywall in your detached garage it’s usually best to staple insulation to the side of the joists. (The following videos demonstrate insulating garages with both fiberglass and mineral wool batts.)

Make sure to cut insulation batts so they fit around all outlets, window spaces, and other oddly shaped wall cavities. Otherwise, your insulation may perform below its advertised R-value, as the following videos demonstrate.

How to Insulate Your Detached Garage Ceilings

Fiberglass batts are often the simplest way to go here, although blown-in cellulose can also be a good option for detached garage ceiling insulation. Since you’re not limited by stud sizes and since most energy loss occurs through the roof/ceiling of your structure, you’ll usually insulate the ceiling to a higher R-value than the walls. With fiberglass batts, simply push faced batts into the spaces between the rafters/trusses and staple them in place. If you plan to install blown insulation, you’ll need to put drywall or plywood on the ceiling first.

How to Insulate Your Detached Garage Door

Obviously, the simplest way to insulate your garage door is to buy an insulated garage door! However, if you already have a fully functioning uninsulated garage door, your best bet might be to retrofit your garage door with insulation.

Garage door insulation kits are available at every big box home improvement store. These kits are usually made with fiberglass insulation or foam panels.

Another popular DIY method is to buy foam insulation panels (usually ISO or EPS) and cut them to fit the panels of the garage door. Gaps around the insulation panels can be sealed with a spray foam like Great Stuff®.

How to Insulate Your Detached Garage Floor

If your detached garage is built on a concrete pad, that’s usually all the floor insulation you’ll get. However, if you are purchasing a prefab garage with a built-in wooden floor, you may be able to buy it with an insulated floor. Here at Esh’s Utility Buildings, we offer insulated floors as an option for the prefab detached garages we sell in Kentucky and Tennessee.

During construction, we cover the garage floor joists with a sheet of plastic to protect the insulation from ground moisture, then place insulation batts on the plastic between the joists, before fastening the flooring in place.

The diagram below gives an approximation of our prefab detached garage floor insulation system (the thin black lines over the joists represent the plastic sheets for moisture protection.) In our experience, an insulated floor adds about 10% to the cost of an unfinished prefab garage.

Other Detached Garage Insulation FAQs

Here are several other miscellaneous questions that folks raise about detached garage insulation.

Should I Insulate an Unheated Detached Garage?

While there is some debate on the topic, the short answer is: “Yes, it’s generally not a bad idea to insulate an unheated garage.” There are numerous factors that affect the answer to that question, but here are a few things to consider.

Insulation helps prevent drastic temperature swings during the summer and winter months. That’s especially important during winters in climate zones above 4 and during summers in climate zones below 6. Preventing extreme temperatures will help to protect any cold- or heat-sensitive items stored in your garage.

Additionally, if you ever plan to work or spend more than a few minutes in your garage, it will be much easier to temporarily heat with a small space heater if the walls and ceilings are at least somewhat insulated.

What About Insulating Prefab Detached Garages?

There are several types of prefab garages, so the answer here also varies based on your specific situation.

If you have or are buying a prefab metal garage, condensation will be a primary concern for you. Metal buildings have their own set of insulating challenges due to the need for vapor barriers and moisture retarders as part of the insulating process. Spray foam has become increasingly popular for some of these buildings, but there are also ways to install batts, loose-fill, and insulated metal panels on these garages. This post gives some more details on insulating prefab metal buildings.

If you are buying a prefab detached garage with a wooden floor like these, the insulation process will be similar to a standard stick-built garage. One key difference: as mentioned above, a wooden prefab garage allows for the option of an insulated floor.

The catch is that it’s very difficult to insulate a prefab garage floor after it’s built, so you’ll want to include floor insulation right from the get-go. If there’s any chance you may want your doublewide garage insulated in the future, we usually recommend that folks upgrade to an insulated floor when having their garage built; you can always add wall and ceiling insulation later at your convenience. We also recommend adding insulated windows and an insulated garage door while building your prefab garage. (If you’re in KY or TN, you can get a quote on insulated prefab detached garages here or design a detached garage in 3D here.) You can also learn more about prefab detached garages in this article or single-car garage sizes in this article.

And there you have it! There’s a wide world of insulation options to choose from for your detached garage. Evaluate your needs, choose the option that meets them best, and…have fun!

Inventory

We’ve all thought it when it comes time to pay rent or real estate taxes – “It would be so much simpler if I would just live in a shed!” Well, some folks did more than just think it…they actually took up living in a shed! Here are some of the most beautiful and creative shed living arrangements from around the world:

1. Saving Rent Through A Shed Conversion

Because of the looming costs of rent, this family decided that they would cut back on their life expenses drastically. How, you may ask? Take a shed and convert it into a home! Watch the whole video to see the before and after looks of the shed.

2. Home Depot Shed Conversion


Believe it or not, this family took a generic Home Depot shed and converted it into a home in which to live and relax. Through this video, you may receive some inspiration to add to your own life or advice to give to those who are searching for shed living opportunities.

3. “Shed and Breakfast” in New Zealand

Located on an organic sheep farm on New Zealand’s South Island, this shed is large enough for 8 people to live in it. David, the farmer who owns the shed, has converted it into a beautiful space with an open floor plan with plenty of views onto the wide New Zealand countryside. He’s opened it up to guests on Airbnb and will even let them try their hands at milking cows and shearing sheep!

4. Shed Vineyard Stay in Clare Valley, Australia

Living in a shed in the Clare Valley of Australia might be better than living in a house anywhere else! Designed and built by the resident artist, Andrew, the shed is located on a working vineyard. The unique wood and metal interior opens out onto a Mintaro slate patio, complete with a BBQ area and a pergola for shade.

5. “Shed and Breakfast” in Bristol

Yes, the same name as #3, but on a different continent! This has to be one of the most beautiful sheds in the entire United Kingdom. Built by Daisy and Jon Bass in the backyard of their home, they spent two years living in the shed while their house was being renovated. Now, they rent it out to guests visiting Bristol. Best of all, they not only make some extra income from folks living in their shed, but they also use it to host homeless youth from the city at various times throughout the year. The Bass’ shed was nominated for the “Shed of the Year” award in 2018.

6. Tool Shed Tiny House in Arkansas

At 144 sq. feet this guest house is perfect for two people (but not much more)! Somehow, this tiny space manages to include a full bath, a closet, and a kitchenette. This is a great example of how much customization is possible, even when living in a shed. As the listing says, though, “If two are staying here make sure you like each other A LOT!”

7. Shed Surrounded by a Magical Garden

What better way to sit and relax, then in a home surrounded by wildlife and gardens. When Mariryan and Heather designed their shed home, they ensured that their environmental ethics would be lived out through the aesthetics of their home – complete with a compost area to preserve the earth.

8. Hot Tub Shed in Chattanooga, Tennessee


The homesteading lifestyle can bring many things to mind…chickens roaming through the front lawn, flowers growing, and perhaps a few children racing around out front of the house. But have you ever considered that someone might live in shed home? If not, you’ll be in for an interesting treat through this short YouTube clip.

9. Tiny Shed in Indiana

This is pretty much the essence of living in a shed: a beautiful little building, perfectly fixed up to host guests with all the comfort of a hotel room. Dean & Nancy used an old, rustic-looking shed to create this little backyard retreat in the countryside near Fort Wayne, Indiana. Leaving the exterior of the building with its quaint, rough look, they added heat and AC and managed to fit a full-size bed into the shed as well. Seriously, this place is so beautiful!

10. Unlikely Retreat in Oswega, NY

With a hot tub, fireplace, and beautiful trail leading to this shed, you are sure to have a magical and relaxing stay. Although positioned in the middle of the city, this shed is blocked off from the buzz and bustle of the city, allowing you and your loved ones to enjoy a more natural adventure.

11. Affordable Housing Options


Finding the perfect home can seem to be a challenge. You’ll need to fit your budget yet get all of the additions and details that you’ve been desiring. And sometimes, you can’t have both. But somehow Nick was able to dream big and design an amazing tiny home through this shed.

12. Downtown Shed in Orlando, Florida

Bright and clean is the vibe of this backyard guesthouse. The vintage wood exterior is complemented on the inside with clean white shiplap paneling, kitchen fixtures, and subway tile. Gray tiling on the floor provides a beautiful contrast. While it’s technically a single room plus a bathroom, living in a shed like this would actually be quite nice.

13. Recycled Materials Shed in New South Wales

Let’s be honest, a building covered with rusty metal panels is not the first place many of us would think of sleeping. But if it’s finished out as wonderfully as this studio apartment in New South Wales, Australia, we might change our minds! Owners Michael & Mieke have created a wonderful little haven on the edge of Blue Mountains National Park. The design of this shed dwelling is much higher and more open than your typical shed, but it’s still very much a shed!

And there you are – some of the most genius living spaces created in tight quarters around the world! If you’re interested, you can read about one of our customers who bought a cabin home. Or, you could read our story on how we converted a 392 sq. ft. shed into an office shed in Kentucky!

Speaking of homes, we also offer animal shelters for your dogs, chickens, or some other pet(s) you have. If you’re interested, you can read about the benefits of backyard chickens.

Living in a shed is a fantastic way to make more from less…what’s stopping you from doing it yourself? At Esh’s Utility Buildings, we build durable prefab sheds and cabins that make great starting points for creating your own shed dwelling! Also, be sure to check out our article on the cost of shed homes here! Our buildings can be built-to-order with a wide range of customization, including exteriors in both wood and vinyl. Alternatively, we have numerous pre-made sheds in our inventory, all available for delivery throughout Kentucky and Tennessee, USA.

Inventory

Sometimes you just need more space. That’s all there is to it. Whether it’s the basement overflowing or no room in the garage for your car, you know you need to do something.

It’s at this point that a lot of people start considering their options for storage buildings. Of course, not everyone is willing or able to spend the cash required to buy a storage shed upfront. That leaves two main options: rent a self-storage unit or purchase a rent-to-own storage building.  If you are choosing between the two, one makes a lot more sense, financially and practically. Here are 5 reasons you should buy a rent to own storage building instead of paying for self-storage:

1. Rent to own storage buildings have a lower cost per square foot

Let’s start with the month-to-month cost of renting storage vs. a rent to own storage building.

CostHelper.com estimates that the average 5×5 self-storage unit costs about $40-$50 per month (although that number may be lower in some areas). That’s about $1.80/month per square foot!

A rent to own storage building in Kentucky

Larger units are generally slightly cheaper per square foot, but still quite expensive! By some estimates, the average monthly cost for a 10×10 unit in Louisville, Kentucky is $92. That’s as much as many households’ weekly grocery budget!

Now, compare that to the monthly cost of a rent to own storage shed in Louisville, KY. On our lots in Kentucky, we often have 10×12 rent to own storage sheds for under $85 per month. That’s a cost of about $0.70/month per square foot, making it even cheaper than self-storage units of similar size in the same area!

2. Rent to own storage buildings have a lower overall cost (aka. “Once it’s paid for, it’s yours!”)

Now let’s talk about the most obvious benefit of rent to own storage buildings. Once your payments are made, the building is yours to keep! Unlike a self-storage unit, where your payments continue month after month indefinitely, a rent to own storage building eventually becomes your property. Once your payments are made, your storage shed is effectively putting money in your pocket!

Let’s go back to our example from #1. Say you’re renting a 10×10 storage unit in Louisville, Kentucky at the average cost of $92/month. After 5 years, you’ve spent over $5500 on your storage solution. What do you have to show for it? Nothing but continuing payments stretching into the future.

Example of money wasted on self storage

How about if you purchase a rent to own storage building? Let’s say you get a 10×12 storage shed with low-maintenance vinyl siding and a metal roof for about $85/month. After 5 years, you’ve spent $500 less than with self-storage and you’re now the proud owner of your own storage, debt-free. Not to mention that you’ve been enjoying an extra 20 sq. ft. of storage the whole time!

At the end of the first 5 years, your friends with self-storage can look forward to their ongoing monthly payments. And you? You’ve got $92/month to put toward whatever you want!

rent to own storage buildings in kentucky 4

3. There are no restrictions on what you can store in your rent to own storage building.

Finished painting the spare room and want to keep the extra paint at your self-storage facility? Nope.

What about a couple of spare sets of tires for your vehicles? Probably not.

Extra garden fertilizer that you want to use next spring. Doubt it.

Self-storage facilities have a surprising number of regulations on what you can and can’t store in your self-storage unit. Cleaning products, paint, pesticides, oil, and fireworks are just some of the items prohibited in many self-storage facilities. Many facilities limit tire storage to a single set (4 tires). Even items like birdseed can be prohibited due to a fear of attracting pests.

A vinyl rent to own storage building in TN

Contrast that with your rent to own storage building. There are no restrictions on storage except the ones you make up! Leftover construction materials, gardening supplies, animal food; it’s completely up to your discretion!

On top of limiting what items may be stored, many self-storage facilities also have limited hours. If you need to retrieve an item late at night or early in the morning, you just might be out of luck. Some self-storage facilities also close on certain holidays.

With a rent to own storage shed, you’re allowed to fetch your own belongings any time of the day or night. Just make sure you don’t trip in the dark when you get inspired to organize at 11 pm!

4. A rent to own storage building is more convenient than transporting everything offsite.

One of the other major upsides of having your own storage solution on your property is the quick access to your belongings. Rather than driving back and forth across town to store and retrieve items, it only takes a quick trip out to the backyard and you’re all set. By storing items on your own property, you save time and fuel…and stress! A rent to own storage building is the ticket when it comes to convenience!

A lofted rent to own storage building in KY

5.A quality storage building can increase your property’s value.

Besides providing convenient storage, your rent to own storage building can increase the value of your property. If you’re hoping to sell your property sometime in the future, you’ll want to think about how your storage solutions will affect its value and curb appeal.

A well-constructed storage building is almost always a plus for the seller in any property sale negotiations. By choosing a rent to own storage building from a quality manufacturer, you’re helping to ensure maximum long-term value for your home.

Example of rent to own storage buildings in Kentucky and Tennessee

If you’re currently renting your home, your rent to own storage shed is an asset that can be taken with you when you leave the property. Of course, make sure you check with your landlord before you make your purchase!

Bonus: No credit check is required to purchase a rent to own storage building!

A common question is, “Will my credit history prevent me from being approved for a rent to own storage building?” Here’s the thing, a rent to own purchase is technically a rental agreement, not a loan. So, no credit check is required to gain approval! Contact us today to review available options!

If you’re interested, feel free to read the complete guide for rent-to-own cabins as well as the complete guide to shed rental programs!

As you can see, if you have a choice, it makes way more financial and practical sense to purchase a rent to own storage building rather than flushing your money down the drain of self-storage! Check out our deals page and contact us to discuss the perfect rent to own storage shed for your needs!

Delivery of a rent to own storage building in Kentucky

Inventory

A shed for business is a cost-effective way of starting a new business or growing your current one. Cut all the expenses and risks involved with buying or renting office space and get started right in your backyard shed. Starting a business is never guaranteed in success so cut the risk by avoiding additional expenses. Here is some shed for business ideas for individuals looking to transform their shed into their workspace.

1. Photography Studio Shed

Turn your shed for business into a photography studio. Offer friends and families the opportunity to create picture-perfect memories that will last a lifetime. Customize your vinyl shed for business with the latest digital photography technology and an array of scenic and full-color backgrounds. No matter the occasion, offer the service that will help create lasting memories right from your shed.

2. Business Office in a Shed

Sheds for business can be customized to become the office space you’ve always wanted. Separate your home and work life with an office shed. Whether you need private space to get work done or an office to meet with clients, turning your shed into an office is a cost-effective way of doing that.

3. Craft Studio Inside a Business Shed

Don’t let the materials of a knitter, seamstress, jewelry maker, and other crafters take over the house. Invest in a shed for business customized to be a craft studio and keep all your craft materials and tools in one place. Have space to create your crafts without creating a mess in the house and make money doing so.

4. Business Shed into an Art Studio

Express yourself with your artwork by turning your wooden shed into an art studio (like this Pennsylvania artist’s art studio shed). Make an income by holding classes, selling your paintings or just use it for personal use. An art studio is a popular shed for business where many people nowadays hold classes for an income. Individuals use art studio sheds to create art to sell online or in stores too.

5. Business Shed used as a Warehouse

If you’re doing e-commerce or producing stuff at home, a shed for business used as a warehouse might be a good idea for you. Protect your goods and keep your products out of the house in a ranch style shed for business. Lots of entrepreneurs use their sheds to safely store their goods before reselling them to the public. Sheds are an affordable way to keep an inventory of the goods, to ship quickly and locally.

6. Business Shed for a Gardening Company

Do you enjoy doing gardening work? Turn your passion into a career by starting a gardening business. Now with a vinyl garden shed for business that can be used for storage, you can have all your gardening supplies in one place. Help locals keep their gardens cleans and make an income doing what you love.

7. Pet Grooming Business Shed

Transform your high barn vinyl shed for business into a salon for pets. Pet grooming is not an easy job but if you love animals and have great people skills, it might be a good fit for you. Help make pets prettier by giving them a shampoo trim, clipping their nails and styling their fur.

8. Business Shed Redesigned into an Architect’s Studio

Plan, design, and review the construction of a new or prebuilt building from the comfort of your Wooden High Barn Shed. Turn your shed for business into an architectural studio and work from the shed in your backyard. Provide service in connection with the design of the buildings and space surrounding the structures. Start from your shed to cut additional expenses of a studio or office rental.

9. Business Shed turned into a Personal Training Facility

If you’re a certified personal trainer or looking to become one, transforming your high barn shed or a two-car garage into a gym would be a very smart idea. Insulate your garage and buy used equipment to start off and help friends and family live a healthy lifestyle through the power of fitness. Personal training sessions vary anywhere from 30$ an hour up to 65$ an hour. If you train multiple people at once, you could double or even triple those hourly rates.

10. Salon and Spa in a Customized Business Shed

The world is massage crazy these days and the market is booming. Transform your shed for business into a massage and spa location. Help individuals with a deep tissue massage and clear them of body stress or pain. Whether it’s after a long day at work or post-athletic event, massages can help individuals get rid of body stress and pain.

11. Marketing Company Running out of a Business Shed

Customize your wooden shed for business to be a Marketing Agency and help local business grow their online presence. A marketing company requires very little resources, so all you would need to start really is a marketing office space with few computers. Cut the extra expenses of office space by turning your shed into one.

12. Rental Space from your Business Shed

Do you live in a popular area with gorgeous views? Transform your shed in a tiny home and use it a rental unit. Customize the interior with a unique design and allow people to experience nature in a beautiful wooden shed. Use your shed for business as an Airbnb and make money by doing absolutely nothing. People enjoy having unique experiences and staying in a tiny home in a great location is just that. Check out these examples of folks living in a shed.

13. Business Shed Customized into a Writer’s Studio

Turn your shed for business into a writer’s studio. Escape from your home and into your creative space in a writer’s shed. This private, quiet space could be the difference-maker in creating great blogs and research papers. Now you can just walk into your writer’s studio in your backyard whenever you need to get away from the noise of your home. Customize the interior to fit your needs and add a window for natural lighting.

Conclusion

Turning your shed into a business is a great way to make money and start your own company without a huge investment. If you live in Kentucky or Tennessee, Esh’s Utility Buildings can help you find a shed to become the office or art studio you always wanted. We offer both direct sales and very reasonable rent to own solutions. Find a sales lot near you or get a free online shed quote to start the process of owning your own shed for business. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (270) 864-3381.